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Saturday, January 21, 2023

 Following Jesus

Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:24-28


Focus Verse: Matthew 16:24 “Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow Me."

What does it mean to follow Jesus?  Back when Jesus was walking on the earth, and Jesus said to the disciples "follow me”, the disciples walked close behind Jesus and followed Him, and that is quite literally how it started.  Of course we know that for the disciples it involved much more than just walking behind Jesus.

For us today what does it mean for us to follow Jesus?  Many books have been written on this subject, but let's look at a few basic thoughts.  

If we are to follow Jesus, let's think first about "where did He go?"  As we read about Jesus in the New Testament we see that He was usually alone praying, or with His closest friends, or He was spending time with those that were looked down on. Example, the sick, tax collectors, sinners.  We like spending time with friends, but how are we doing with praying and spending time with those that are looked down on?

If we are to follow Jesus, what did He do?  As Jesus went His way he encountered people. All kinds of people.  The rich, the poor, the sick, the lost, the proud.  Jesus loved everyone He encountered, and knew just the right thing to say to each person.  The story of the woman at the well in John 4 shows Jesus’ love for her.  Even though she had sinned and was living with a man that was not her husband Jesus loved her, and she eventually became a believer.

If we are to follow Jesus, how did He feel?  Jesus' primary purpose in coming to earth was to reconcile people to God.  He felt this way because He had compassion for people and loved them.  Right now this world is lacking love for each other.  What if the outside world saw a genuine love within the church?  
 
Most importantly, Jesus did the will of the Father. (John 14:31)   You may call yourself a Christian but are you really following Jesus?  Let’s follow Jesus by doing what God would want us to do.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
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